Somatosensory profile of patients with haemophilia

Assessment of jaw bone mineral density, resorption rates, and oral health in patients with severe hemophilia: a case-control study

OBJECTIVE

Knowledge about oral hygiene, gingival bleeding, mineral density, and resorption of jaw bones in patients with hemophilia is limited. We evaluated the periodontal and bone status in such patients.  Material and methods: Forty-eight patients with severe type A/B hemophilia and 49 age- and sex-matched controls were included. Assessments included simplified oral hygiene index (OHI-S), calculus index, debris index, gingival index (GI), gingival bleeding time index (GBTI), and decayed, missing, and filled teeth index (DMFTI). Bone resorption was evaluated using panoramic mandibular index (PMI), mental index (MI), and alveolar crest ratio (ACR). Mineral density in the condyle, angulus, and premolar areas was assessed using fractal analysis, with fractal dimensions denoted as condyle fractal dimension (CFD) for the condyle, angulus fractal dimension (AFD) for angulus, and premolar fractal dimension (PFD) for premolar region.

RESULTS

The mean scores were DMFTI = 11.77, OHI-S = 2.44, PMI = 0.268, MI = 5.822, GI = 3.02, GBTI = 2.64, ACR = 2.06, CFD = 1.31, AFD = 1.31, and PFD = 1.17 in the hemophilia group and DMFTI = 11.449, PMI = 0.494, MI = 7.43, GI = 0.67, GBTI = 0.98, OHI-S = 1.45, ACR = 2.87, CFD = 1.35, AFD = 1.35, and PDF = 1.23 in the control group. Differences were significant for all parameters (p < 0.005) except for the DMFTI index.  Conclusions: Because of poor oral hygiene, high bone resorption, and low bone mineral density in these patients, clinicians should consider potential bone changes when planning to treat these patients.

Paradox pain sensitivity using cuff pressure or algometer testing in patients with hemophilia

INTRODUCTION

Pain is a common comorbidity in patients with hemophilia (PwH) due to hemophilic arthropathy. This study aims to explore pain sensitivity in PwH methodologically investigating in cuff pressure testing compared to algometer testing.

METHODS

37 PwH and 35 healthy control subjects (Con) enrolled in this study. Joint health status was assessed. Subjective pain was evaluated using numeric rating scales. Pain sensitivity was measured with pressure algometry and cuff pressure algometry. Pressure pain thresholds of the algometer (PPTa) were measured at knee, ankle joints, and forehead. Subsequently, thresholds of cuff pressure were measured at the left and right lower legs (PPTcuff). In both, lower values represent higher pain sensitivity.

RESULTS

PwH exerted a worse joint health status than Con. Pain sensitivity was higher in PwH compared to Con as PPTa of the knee and ankle joints were lower in PwH. No difference was observed in PPTa at the forehead. Contrastingly, lower pain sensitivity was detected in PwH by higher PPTcuff values compared to Con in both legs.

CONCLUSION

While PPTa of the knee and ankle joints are lower in PwH, PPTcuff are higher in PwH compared to Con. This reveals a paradox situation, highlighting that PwH experience local, joint- and hemophilic arthropathy-related pain, whereas pain sensitivity of non-affected soft tissue structures is lower. The reasons explaining the PPTcuff results remain elusive but might be explained by coping strategies counteracting chronic joint pain, resulting in lower sensitivity at non-affected structures.

The Classification of Suspected Predominant Nociplastic Pain in People with Moderate and Severe Haemophilia: A Secondary Exploratory Study

In people with haemophilia (PwH), joint pain is a major comorbidity that is often overlooked and under-treated. It is believed that, to ensure the most successful outcome, pain management should be tailored to the predominant pain phenotype (i.e., nociceptive, neuropathic and nociplastic). The 2021 clinical criteria and grading system for nociplastic pain, established by the International Association for the Study of Pain (IASP), emphasize the necessity of early-stage identification and predominant pain type classification. Consistent with findings in other chronic musculoskeletal pain conditions, studies suggest that a subgroup of PwH suffers from nociplastic pain, i.e., pain arising from altered nociception rather than structural damage, but this has not yet been explored in PwH. This study aimed to identify PwH with "unlikely", "possible" and "probable" nociplastic pain and investigate differences in anthropometric, demographic and clinical characteristics and psychological factors between subgroups of PwH and healthy individuals.: The IASP clinical criteria and grading system were used to classify pain types in adult men with moderate or severe haemophilia recruited from two Belgian haemophilia treatment centres. Statistical analyses were applied to study between-subgroup differences. Of 94 PwH, 80 PwH (85%) were classified with "unlikely" and 14 (15%) with "at least possible" nociplastic pain (including 5 PwH (5%) with "possible" and 9 PwH (10%) with "probable" nociplastic pain). PwH in both the "unlikely" and "at least possible" nociplastic pain groups showed significantly higher levels of unhelpful psychological factors compared to healthy individuals. Additionally, age may partially account for the observed differences in body height and psychological factors. Larger sample sizes may be needed to detect more subtle between-group differences. study confirmed the presence of nociplastic pain in haemophilia, categorising a notable subgroup as individuals who experience at least possible nociplastic pain. These exploratory insights may provide a starting point for future studies and the development of more effective and tailored pain management.

Psychophysical assessment of pain in adults with moderate and severe haemophilia: A cross-sectional study

BACKGROUND

Joint pain is the hallmark of haemophilia; therefore it seems clinically rather a musculoskeletal than a bleeding disorder. Although joint pain in people with haemophilia (PwH) is a complex and multidimensional problem, pain assessment remains primarily focused on the structural evaluation of their joints. Whereas, only few data are available on the potential implication of psychophysical and psychological factors.

OBJECTIVE

This study aimed to perform a psychophysical pain assessment including quantitative sensory testing (QST) and an evaluation of psychological factors in a large sample of PwH, to get insight into the individuals' pain system.

METHODS

Ninety-nine adults (36.9 ± 13.5 years) with moderate/severe haemophilia A/B and 46 healthy controls filled in self-reported pain and psychological questionnaires and underwent a QST evaluation including static and dynamic tests. Static tests focused on the determination of thermal detection and pain thresholds and mechanical pressure pain thresholds. Dynamic tests evaluated pain facilitation and the efficacy of endogenous pain inhibition. Besides comparing PwH and healthy controls, between-subgroup differences were studied in PwH based on their pain distribution.

RESULTS

The study revealed increased thermal and mechanical pain sensitivity and the presence of unhelpful psychological factors such as anxiety/depression in PwH. Among the subgroups, especially PwH with widespread pain showed altered somatosensory functioning. Enhanced pain facilitation and impaired efficacy of endogenous pain inhibition in PwH could not be observed.

CONCLUSION

Altered somatosensory functioning and unhelpful psychological factors, appear to play an important role in the pathophysiology of pain in PwH, especially in PwH with widespread pain.

Pain management in hemophilia: expert recommendations

INTRODUCTION

As a typical consequence of bleeding into muscles and joints, patients with severe hemophilia suffer from acute and chronic pain. In spite of its high prevalence, pain in this patient group is not always sufficiently considered or treated in an effective manner.

AIM

The recommendations presented in this paper address possible improvements in pain management in hemophilia patients and particularities that have to be taken into account in this patient group.

METHOD

The manifold aspects of pain management in hemophilia patients were discussed within the framework of an expert meeting. Based on the available literature and the experts' clinical experience, the participants developed a set of recommendations presented in this paper.

RESULTS

Pain management in patients with hemophilia is often insufficient, a fact that not only influences the patients' quality of life but also implies the risk of difficult to manage chronic pain. Both the prevalent polypharmacy (due to comorbidities) as well as the underlying disease itself present special challenges to pain therapy in this patient group. The present review and recommendations are intended to support medical professionals in recognising the risks of pain chronicity, applying basic principles of multimodal pain therapy, including the options of psychological intervention and modalities of physical medicine in therapy concepts, and reaching a comprehensive understanding of the range of analgesic options available.

Changes in pain profile of patients with haemophilia during 1-year follow-up

INTRODUCTION

Patients with haemophilia (PwH) may experience increased sensitivity to pain. Based on the assessment of the somatosensory system, a recent study showed a specific pain profile in PwH when compared to controls by using Quantitative Sensory Testing (QST).

AIM

This study aimed to evaluate the pain profile of affected joints (knee or ankle joints) and a non-affected site (dominant hand) in adult PwH over a 1-year period.

METHODS

Twenty-four PwH (severe haemophilia A = 19, B = 3; moderate haemophilia A = 1, B = 1; age: 52±8 years) and 21 healthy controls (age: 52±12 years) were examined by QST. Both knee or ankle joints and the hand as reference were examined twice with an interval of 1 year in order to assess several detection (DT) and pain thresholds (PT).

RESULTS

Statistically significant altered mechanical (P < .001) and pressure (P < .05) PT were found at affected joints and at a non-affected site in PwH when compared to controls. Mechanical DT showed a significant increase at all assessed sites (e.g., at ankle joints PwH vs. controls at baseline/follow up in mN: 13.9±9.8 vs. 12.0±8.2/19.4±12.4 vs. 13.7±11.1; P < .01) in both cohorts. Nevertheless, changes in most parameters within 1 year occurred similarly in both groups.

CONCLUSION

The statistically significant different QST profile between PwH and controls does not seem to deteriorate further over the course of the year. Thus, under prophylactic treatment, the existing difference in the pain profile between PwH and controls at baseline does not appear to be a progressive process within 1 year.

Understanding the pain profile in patients with haemophilia: Impaired descending pain inhibition as measured by conditioned pain modulation

INTRODUCTION

Haemophilic arthropathy is associated with pain that often becomes chronic, likely caused by peripheral and central mechanisms. In the field of haemophilia, to our knowledge, the role of the descending pain pathway, which can also be involved in these pain processes, has not been examined to date.

AIM

In light of the dearth of existing literature, we sought to evaluate the function of endogenous descending pain modulation in patients with haemophilia.

METHODS

Thirty adult patients with moderate to severe haemophilia A or B (median [interquartile range] age 51.0 [42.0-54.0]) and 23 healthy adult controls (age 46.5 [36.8-54.3]) underwent conditioned pain modulation (CPM) in order to examine the function of endogenous pain modulation. The CPM response was determined by scoring a test stimulus (heat) alone as well as under the influence of a conditioning stimulus (cold) on the basis of a numeric rating scale (NRS) (0 = 'no pain' to 100 = 'worst possible pain').

RESULTS

Patients with haemophilia demonstrated a statistically significant reduced CPM response when compared with the age-matched healthy controls (median (interquartile range) NRS score: patients: -10 (-17.5-[-7.5]) vs controls: -20 (-30.0-[-13.75]); P = .002). The determined difference in the CPM response between both cohorts showed a medium effect size of r = .433.

CONCLUSION

The results of this study indicate that an impaired degree of endogenous pain modulation could be present in patients with haemophilia. Therefore, the function of the descending pain pathway should be considered regarding an individual and comprehensive pain management.

Changes in Muscle Activity Patterns and Joint Kinematics During Gait in Hemophilic Arthropathy

Hemophilic arthropathy is the result of repetitive intra-articular bleeding and synovial inflammation. In people with hemophilic arthropathy (PWHA), very little is known about the neural control of individual muscles during movement. The aim of the present study was to assess if the neural control of individual muscles and coordination between antagonistic muscle pairs and joint kinematics during gait are affected in PWHA. Thirteen control subjects (CG) walked overground at their preferred and slow velocity (1 m/s), and 14 PWHA walked overground at the preferred velocity (1 m/s). Joint kinematics and temporal gait parameters were assessed using four inertial sensors. Surface electromyography (EMG) was collected from gluteus maximus (GMAX), gluteus medius (GMED), vastus medialis (VM), vastus lateralis (VL), rectus femoris (RF), medial gastrocnemius (MG), lateral gastrocnemius (LG), soleus (SOL), tibialis anterior (TA), semitendinosus (ST), and biceps femoris (BF). Waveforms were compared using the time-series analysis through statistical parametric mapping. In PWHA compared to CG, EMG amplitude during the stance phase was higher for LG (for both velocities of the CG), BF (slow velocity only), and ST (preferred velocity only) (p < 0.05). Co-contraction during the stance phase was higher for MG-TA, LG-TA, VL-BF, VM-ST, LG-VL, and MG-VM (both velocities) (p < 0.05). MG and LG were excited earlier (preferred velocity only) (p < 0.05). A later offset during the stance phase was found for VL, BF, and ST (both velocities), and BF and GMAX (preferred velocity only) (p < 0.05). In addition, the range of motion in knee and ankle joints was lower in PWHA (both velocities) and hip joint (preferred velocity only) (p < 0.05). In conclusion, the neural control of individual muscles and coordination between antagonistic muscles during gait in PWHA differs substantially from control subjects.

Establishing an online physical exercise program for people with hemophilia

BACKGROUND

Hemophilia is a congenital bleeding disorder with an estimated frequency of 1:10,000 births. Repeated joint bleeding is a hallmark of the disorder and leads to painful hemophilic arthropathy. Regular exercise can help improve joint stability and function, reduce the risk of injury and bleeding and improve physical fitness and quality of life. This method paper describes an online training concept aiming to offer access to appropriate exercise instructions for people with hemophilia who are not able to attend regular training at a hemophilia center.

METHODS

The online exercise program is accessible through the homepage of the Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine of the Medical University Vienna as well as through scanning a QR code printed on information material using a smart phone or tablet.

RESULTS

The program contains exercises to improve mobility, coordination, muscular strength and flexibility. A brief introduction is given by a hematologist, a pediatrician and a physiatrist. An introductory video informs about contraindications and essential precautions, such as medical attendance and sufficient factor therapy to consider before starting the training. Another video gives advice on the exercise composition. The demonstrated exercises are explained by a physician and are available for adults and children. To individualize training recommendations and offer further diagnostic tools and physical treatment options as necessary, the Department of Physical Medicine, Rehabilitation and Occupational Medicine of the Medical University of Vienna will establish consultation hours for people with hemophilia.

CONCLUSION

As hemophilia is an orphan disease, patients are mainly treated in specialized centers. For patients who live far from these centers or have limited access to a training there for other reasons, the physical medicine consultation hour and the implementation of online exercise instructions offer individually adapted exercise information for a regular home-based training to benefit from increased physical fitness and joint stability.

Oral and Psychological Alterations in Haemophiliac Patients

Haemophiliacs are hereditary coagulopathies whose basic anomaly consists of the quantitative or qualitative alteration of one or more plasma proteins in the coagulation system. The objective of this review is to analyse all risk factors, predispositions and alterations to the oral-maxillofacial district in patients with haemophilia. The broader assessment also includes the psychological aspects that could affect the treatment and maintenance of oral conditions. The study takes into consideration all the works in the literature in the last 10 years. Works that present oral, dental and psychological changes in haemophilia patients have been combined. A total of 16 studies were analysed carefully evaluating and explaining all the alterations and risk factors that this disease provides. The aim of the review is to report all the anomalies reported in the literature for these patients, and to direct and update the clinician in the treatment of haemophilia patients.

Joint disease in haemophilia: Pathophysiology, pain and imaging

Haemarthroses cause major morbidity in patients with haemophilia. Blood has devastating effects on all joint components, resulting in synovitis, osteochondral degeneration and ultimately end-stage haemophilic arthropathy. Key players in this process are iron and inflammation. Preventing joint bleeds is of utmost importance to maintain joint health as targeted therapies directed against blood-induced inflammation and iron-mediated processes are lacking. Joint bleeds result in acute pain as well as chronic pain due to synovitis or arthropathy. Acute pain originates from nociceptors activated by tissue damage. In chronic inflammation, central and peripheral sensitization of nociceptors might occur resulting in chronic pain. This also triggers a series of brain disorders such as emotional fear, anxiety, mood depression and impairment of cognitive functions. Treatment of haemophilia-related pain not only consists of analgesics, but also of exercise, education and in selected cases antidepressants and anticonvulsants. For objective assessment of joint structural outcome and detecting earlier changes of haemophilic arthropathy, both ultrasound (US) and magnetic resonance (MR) imaging have shown valuable. Both can be considered equally able to reveal signs of disease activity. MR imaging is able to visualize haemosiderin deposition and is more comprehensive in depicting osteochondral changes. Disadvantages of MR imaging are the duration of the examination, evaluation of a single joint at a time, costs and may require sedation, and it may need intraarticular contrast injection to depict initial osteochondral changes with accuracy. As such, US is a more useful screening tool and can be used for repeated follow-up examinations.